Water is derived from a well near the Chandalar River, then treated and stored in a tank. The existing well has an interim permit pending determination of whether it is to be classified as groundwater or ground water under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDISW). A circulating system and septic tank system constructed in 1980 failed within two years of construction. The water transmission line froze last year, and the utility is still using 'fire hoses' on a portion of its water transmission line, until funding is available for a more permanent solution. Currently six homes and the health clinic are on a flush/haul system. A washeteria constructed in the early 1990's has 6 washers and six dryers, plus shower facilities. Electricity is provided by Venetie Village Electric. The washeteria also uses a small solar power system to provide some electricity. Construction of a new lagoon was completed in 2005, and it has been operating satisfactorily. There are plans for construction of a haul garage and for installation of 15 more water/sewer haul services.

RUBA Status & Activities This Qtr:

Several recommendations made by RUBA staff to the tribal administrator have been ignored and not implemented, mainly financial issues. The administrator does not use check registers for the tribes bank accounts to keep track of the finances. Everything else is done manually. The last RUBA trip was April, 2008. RUBA essential and sustainable indicators that were identified and recommendations that were made have been ignored. RUBA staff assisted the tribal administrator fill out the necessary Power-Cost-Equalization (PCE) paperwork and forms in order for the tribe's electric enterprise to participate were not completed and submitted as recommended. There were a couple more fuel invoices the administrator needed to find and include in the 2007 PCE Annual Report that was completed.

RUBA Activities for the Coming Qtr:

There STILL has not been any changes to the recommendations made by RUBA during his last visit listed below:
These bullets are recommended to the tribe by RUBA staff:
'Draft comprehensive utilities budgets for the Tribe with itemized revenues and expenditures
'Review revenues and expenditures to see if revenues cover the expenditures in all the utilities run by the Tribe.
'Review and actively collect accounts receivables.
'Inform the tribal council what is owed to the Tribe by all utilities customers
'Hire a utilities bookkeeper to work with the tribal administrator
'Develop a comprehensive monthly financial report for the utilities
'Obtain a computer for the tribal administrator and provide computer training
'Develop utility ordinances for all the tribally owned utilities
There will not be on-site assistance until all or most of the recommendations are met or addressed.

Scores:

Essential Indicators:

17 of
27

Sustainable Indicators:

21 of
27

Total Score:

38 of
54

Finances

Essential Indicators

Answer

Question

No

All revenues and expenses for the utility are listed in the utility budget.

No

The utility has adopted a balanced realistic budget.

No

Monthly financial reports are prepared and submitted to the policy making board.

Yes

The utility is current in paying all water/wastewater electric bills.

Yes

The utility has on hand a year's adequate fuel supply or it has a financial plan to purchase an adequate supply.

No

The utility is receiving revenues (user fees or other sources) sufficient to cover operating expenses.